Hall-effect sensor is programmable for automotive and industrial use

Micronas HAL® 880 programmable linear Hall-effect sensor has been added to the HAL xy family and features linear analog output for compatibility with existing sensors. Based on building blocks proven in earlier Micronas Hall-effect sensors, the device allows system designers to reuse acquired know-how from previous designs with the HAL 8xy family, thus building custom-calibrated sensor assemblies at lower costs.

The HAL 880 is designed for applications such as pedal position sensing, headlight-adjustment systems, and other applications requiring linear or angular position sensing but also for current sensing applications. A junction temperature range of -40 to +140C, the HAL 880 can serve in industrial as well as automotive applications.

"With the HAL 880, we have delivered the capabilities of high-end linear sensors at a price point competitive with non-programmable sensors in many applications," says Peter Zimmermann, head of Market Management Automotive at Micronas. "And it uses process technology and circuits already proven in automotive applications."

The device uses a DSP to perform sensor linearization and can compensate for the variations in the Hall effect due to operating temperature, magnetic field strength, magnet temperature, Hall-plate sensitivity, and offset voltage. Output is a fully push-pull 12-bit ratiometric analog output with less than 25 mV of noise. All programming parameters are kept in the internal EEPROM, and there are 13 extra bits for customer or application data. The device is supported by the full range of PC-based Hall-effect sensor development tools from Micronas.

Pricing for 10,000 units is $1.30 US with samples available in Q1/2009.